Legal Officer (Institutional Matters)

We have an excellent opportunity for a Legal Officer, to work within the Governance and Peace Directorate (GDP). The GPD is responsible for the promotion of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and good governance within the Commonwealth. The Legal Officer will assist the General Counsel and the Deputy Legal Counsel in advising the Secretariat on legal questions arising in connection with the work of the Secretariat as an international organisation. Work may span privileges and immunities, international organisations law and international administrative law as well as relevant domestic laws of the UK as host country or of other Commonwealth jurisdictions. The job holder undertakes research and collaborates with colleagues across the Secretariat to draft legal documents, contributes to legal capacity-building initiatives and training and develop proposals for legal and policy analysis. Strong problem solving and communication skills, discretion and integrity are essential. To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria: Qualified to practise law in a Commonwealth jurisdiction. A Master’s degree in a relevant area of law from a recognised university would be desirable. At least seven (7) years’ post-qualification experience in private legal practice, government, non-governmental organisations, international organisations or academia. Demonstrated experience of providing legal advice and delivering practical solutions to clients and/or stakeholders through clear and user-friendly written and oral engagement, and of conducting research and preparing analysis on diverse legal issues and drafting legal documents. Demonstrable experience of providing legal advice and delivering practical solutions to clients and/or stakeholders through clear and user-friendly written and oral engagement; conducting research and preparing analysis on diverse legal issues; and drafting legal documents. Extensive experienc